Oaklands Wolves men’s football Academy A guide for new applicants 2022-23
“
Being ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough anymore. It takes more than just ability and talent, you have to be disciplined off the pitch and develop good habits important to success in both football and life.
”
- Steve Castle Head of Academy
CONTENTS About the Academy
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Dual Career Academy
5
Studying at Oaklands
7
Programme structure
8-9
Rugby development
10-11
Progression routes
12-13
Alumni stories
14
Roll of honour
15
Joining the Academy
16-17
Women’s Academy & DISE Programme
18-19
OPEN DAYS
We believe it’s important you find out everything you need to know before joining us, which is why we run open days throughout the year. Our open events give you the chance to visit our St Albans Campus, meet the coaches and take a look at our award-winning facilities. See Oaklands Wolves website for upcoming Men’s Open and Trial Events. www.oaklandswolves.com/ football
ABOUT US Oaklands Wolves Football Academy, previously known as St Albans Football Academy (SAFA) is one of the most successful and longest running college football programmes in the country. Established in 2004, the academy has won numerous competitions and produced an abundance of players; many of whom have progressed into nonleague, national squads and professional football. Brief History
Academy Philosophy
Established 17 years ago, the academy is one of the first college football programmes in the country. It now has over 100 players registered with the college and as a result, the standards of the academy is held in high regard as one of the best youth academies outside of the professional game, attracting interest from both national and international scouts.
In the early years, the emphasis was placed on increasing sport participation for students, whilst they completed their academic studies at Oaklands College. As the academy grew, and with it the standards of college football, there was a shift in philosophy to the academies new objective: ‘To transform young adults to young men by emphasizing good habits both on and off the pitch’.
Mamadou ‘Mam’ Jobe Oaklands College to professional contract with Cambridge United F.C. Mam is a strong, fast and composed centre-half who studied a Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Business. Mam joined Oaklands during a troublesome time, having been expelled from Secondary School but quickly benefited from the academies ethos, becoming a responsible, mature student. 4
In October 2020, Mam’s efforts were rewarded when he joined the Cambridge United youth setup, before being offered a two-year professional contract in May 2021.
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DUAL-CAREER Academy
All student athletes representing the Oaklands Wolves Football Academy are constantly reminded they are students first and athletes second. Achieving in the classroom is equally, if not more important than progression on the pitch. Importance of Balance
Life skills
Dual career focus ensures that there is an equal balance of importance of a student athlete’s football & academic development. Coaches and teachers are in constant communication ensuring players are working towards developing their football careers, whilst also ensuring they remain focused on their academic aspiration. Training & match bans are in place to maintain high standards.
There’s a holistic approach to every students progression, it’s not just about football, it’s about creating an inspirational environment where players can develop into wellrounded, independent young men. According to Steve Castle “the sooner they transform from young adults to young men the sooner they’ll start seeing results in both their football and their alternative career aspirations.”
Jaden Ogwuazor Oaklands College to Profesional Contract with Stevenage A physical centre-half with a smooth left foot, Jaden studied a Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Sports & Development at Oaklands. Jaden played in a showcase friendly for the Academy Elites against Stevenage, where he impressed and earned himself a trial, resulting in a professional contract. It was a proud moment for the academy, who had produced two professional players during the challenging COVID pandemic.
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MEET THE STAFF
Our Football Academy staff members are fully trained, licensed coaches with vast playing and coaching experience in professional and semi-professional football.
STEVE CASTLE
Head of Academy
Academy founder Steve Castle has over 500 Football League appearances, is currently manager of Royston Town FC, holds a UEFA A Football License, is a former Scout for England Under 19s and has worked with the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Tony Pulis and Kevin Nugent.
SPYROS MENTIS
Assistant Head of Academy
A former Oaklands Wolves Football Academy student, Spyros went to the University of Hertfordshire to study Sports. Spyros holds a UEFA B Football License, plays for Royston Town FC and leads the academy alongside Steve.
KAREN GIBSON
Football Academy Coordinator
Karen founded the academy alongside Steve in 2004. She arranges all academy fixtures, administration and provides support and guidance to student athletes. For parental guidance and advice, please contact her via karen.gibson@oaklands.ac.uk 6
GUS SCOTT-MORRISS
Football Academy Coach
Another former academy graduate, Gus started coaching at the academy after completing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Coaching. Gus is currently working towards his UEFA B Football License and is captain of Hemel Hempstead FC.
JOSH CASTIGLIONE
Football Academy Coach
Similarly to Gus, former academy graduate Josh transitioned from student to coach in 2016 after completing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Coaching. Josh is currently working towards his UEFA B Football License and is a team-mate of Gus at Hemel Hempstead FC.
DIMITRIOS KYRIATZIS
Football Academy Goalkeeping Coach Dimi joined the academy after a spell of playing professional football for Brentford FC and FC International Leipzig in Germany. Dimi is working towards his UEFA B Football & Goalkeeping License. Dimi currently plays for Bedfont Sports FC.
JOSEPH PARMLEY
Football Academy Coach
Joe is another former academy student and was employed after completing the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Coaching. Joe joined full-time after completing a one-year Coaching Internship with the academy and is currently playing for Dunstable Town FC.
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STAFF Continued LEDA COX
Head Physiotherapist
Leda is the Lead Physiotherapist at Oaklands and has worked for the college in a number of capacities since 2017. Leda holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physiotherapy and plays a vital part in maintaining student athletes’ health and wellbeing. Leda was a professional cyclist for ten years, representing Team GB throughout her career. Leda won over 30 international races and gained multiple national medals as well as becoming British Number One.
JOE ELLIS
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
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Joe has worked with the Oaklands Wolves Sports Academies for over 6 years, having previously worked with Saracens RFC. Joe holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Strength and Conditioning, graduating from the University of Chester in 2011. Joe’s experience and knowledge has benefited student athletes across the entirety of the academy provision, working with Hockey, Basketball, Athletics and Rugby academies before working with the football.
GUEST
Coaches ANDY EDWARDS
England U19s Coach
Andy is a former Football Academy Coach at Oaklands College and Steve Castle’s Assistant Manager at St Albans City F.C. Andy was also a former coach at Leyton Orient FC, was part of the U20s World Cup winning England team in 2017 and regularly returns to the college to deliver masterclass coaching session to its student athletes.
GARY SMITH
Football Academy Coach
A former professional footballer and current Head Coach of Major League Soccer side Nashville SC, Gary’s close links to America make him a valuable resource not only within the UK, but for academy students seeking American Scholarships.
DOMINIC HAYNES
UCFB Wembley Lecturer in Football Coaching
Formerly a Football Academy Coach at Oaklands before moving on to become a coach and academic lecturer at UCFB, located at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Dominic was previously Head of Recruitment at Watford FC and holds a BA in Football Studies, an MSc (Distinction) in Athletic Development, as well as a UEFA A Licence.
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TRAINING &
Matches The academy training schedule works alongside student’s course timetables, matches are played on Wednesdays (National Match Day for College Sport) a typical timetable can be seen below.
Daniel Gould Oaklands College to England Colleges National Squad
Whilst a part of the academy and studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, Dan was called up to represent England Schools in 2018 for the prestigious Centenary Shield, a known proving ground for some of the country’s top talents.
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One of 18 players chosen as the best talents in the region to represent England Colleges, Dan continued to develop as a goalkeeper and now plays for Non-League side Dunstable Town.
FACILITIES The state-of-the-art sport facilities at Oaklands will be further enhanced by the colleges £62 million redevelopment of its St Albans Campus, which will introduce a brand new Sports Pavillion as the third part of the four-phased redevelopment. The Pavillion will house new hydrotherapy and physiotherapy areas, six new changing rooms and specialist facilities for sports and academy students in spring 2022. Current Facilities
Upcoming Open Events
Oaklands currently provides access to incredible facilities of similar standard to a Professional Category 1 Academy, such as:
If you are interested in learning more about our campuses, or would like to take a tour of our impressive facilities, you can attend one of our Open Events.
- A state-of-the-art performance gym - Brand new artificial 4G pitches - Indoor futsal pitches - A multi-sport hall
Details for these events, including how to register can be found via the college website via www.oaklands.ac.uk/ events
- Virtuous training ground complex
Sean Shields Oaklands College to Profesional Contract with Dagenham & Redbridge
Sean studied Sports at Oaklands and made a quick jump from the Elites to St Albans first team under Steve Castle. Dagenham & Redbridge signed him, and Northern Ireland called him up not long after, before moving to Notts County. Sean added “The scheme was highly enjoyable and was an integral part of my football development. Working with someone of Steve’s calibre at such a young age was enormously beneficial.”
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PROGRESSION
A significant goal of our programme is to provide a progression route for every single student/athlete in the academy. By doing so, we hope not only to produce professional and semi-professional footballers, but also to maintain motivation to sustain sport participation levels for those who are not ready to make the step into elite football. Internal Progression Routes
External Progression Routes
Student athletes can progress from the U17’s (Cat 3) into the U19’s (Cat 2) and then on to the Elites (Cat 1 - Highest level of college football).
Once a student athlete reaches and maintains their postition within the academies Elite Squad, they will be challenged externally.
Progression occurs on a weekly basis, players move up and down the ladder depending on committment, attendance and performance.
Dependant on their ability and performance, student athletes have the opportunity to progress into Non-League Reserve/First Team squads, or even earn trials with Professional Academies and represent England Schools at National Level.
Inih Effiong Oaklands College to Professional Contract Inih enrolled onto a Level 3 Sport course which ran alongside the Oaklands Wolves Football Academy. A raw talent with a great physical presence, Inih quickly became a key member of the academy, making his debut for St Albans City F.C. under the club’s then Head Coach; Steve Castle.
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Inih went on to make a name for himself in Non-League football, playing for Woking, Dover Athletic, Barnet, as well as professionally Stevenage and Ross County in the Scottish Premier League.
STUDYING at Oaklands
The college offers a broad spectrum of exciting and engaging courses, ranging from BTEC Level 1, 2 and 3, as well as a range of Value-Added A Level programmes, Construction Trades including Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Carpentry, Brickwork and more, ensuring every student can choose the appropriate academic pathway that suits their individual career aspirations. Supporting Your Learning
Academic Choices
Oaklands College has an excellent Student Advice Team who support students with any pastoral needs, including:
Students at Oaklands are encouraged to explore the wide-range of courses, as part of the academic offering at the college. Students are encouraged to study a relevant course which can be pursued when their playing career ends. For example, students can choose to study a BTEC qualification specialising in Sport and Exercise Sciences, which can lead to careers within Sport.
- Academic choice support - Bursaries and financial assistant - Assignment and learning support - Special exam arrangements and many more English & Maths All students without a Grade 4 in Maths and/ or English will be expected to retake them alongside their chosen academic option. This is usually supported with additional lessons, which will be added to a students’ timetable, to help each student to reach the required grade.
Timetable Clashes We try to avoid clashes between training and lessons, however not all academic courses are 100% compatible. In the event of a clash, academic commitments always take priority.
Kyle Ajayi Oaklands College to English Colleges National Squad Whilst a part of the academy, Kyle was called up to represent England Schools in 2018, alongside Dan Gould, for the prestigious Centenary Shield, a known proving ground for some of the country’s top talents. Kyle continued to improve, signing for Aylesbury United FC and AFC Dunstable. In 2020, Kyle moved clubs again, taking the step up to play his football in the National League South with Hemel Hempstead Town F.C.
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RESIDENTIAL Homestead Oaklands is proud to be able to offer a state-of-the-art Residential Homestead for its student athletes. Residential Provision
Facilities
Introduced in 2019, the homestead introduces on-site living at the colleges St Albans Campus for over 80 students. The secure, modern and comfortable living quarters are akin to what would be expected from a University.
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and the facility has four disabled-accessible rooms.
Should you wish to apply for residential accommodation at Oaklands, this should be included within the online application when prompted and our team will be in touch. Student expectation Oaklands students are expected to uphold the values of the college and respect the living quarters and fellow student of which share the facilities.
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With two large communal areas, shared kitchens and underfloor heating throughout, the homestead is designed to ensure students have everything they need whilst studying at the college. An on-site warden is also present at all times to ensure student safeguarding, wellbeing and good behaviour.
JOINING THE Academy If you are interested in joining the academy, you must firstly ensure you are eligible. Once you have done so, you can start the application process which is detailed below. Eligibility, Fees & Suitability Student athletes must be aged 16-18 as of 1st September on the year of their entry. Unlike other football academies in the UK, our academy is free to join. The only purchase a student athlete is required to make is for the official academy training kit bundles, students can keep this throughout their time at the academy and beyond. Suitable student athletes will have a dedicated and determined attitude to improve as a footballer and as a person, putting their academic committments first. Learning to balance both aspects is key to succeeding and enjoying their time on the programme.
Alfred Lucca Toms Isle of Wight to Oaklands College residential student Lucca is from the Isle of Wight and joined the academy in Sepember 2020. He is currently in his second year as a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business. His decision to join the academy was not only fuelled by the residential facilities and academy reputation, Lucca joined seeking an alternative qualification to the BTEC in Sport which he was restricted to closer to home. As a result, Lucca lives on site in our Residential Homestead and says: “Living on site has given me the independance and confidence needed to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional footballer, whilst also achieving my qualifications.”
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Oaklands College Hatfield Road, St Albans AL4 0XR www.oaklandswolves.com/mens-football @oaklandsfootie @oaklandsfootie @oaklandsfootie 01727 737000
